Hardwood is a type of flooring that is sometimes employed as part of a larger flooring application project. It’s usually screwed into the room’s sub-floor board. Such floors are used in building constructions, thanks to their attractive appearance, sound quality, and durability. Pine, Alder, Hickory, Cherry, Oak, and maple are some classic examples of hardwood. This guide discusses why hardwood flooring is a good idea for home flooring and how it is installed. It also discusses installation steps and what tools will be needed to properly install this type of flooring.The difference between real wood and engineered flooring is the presence of a ‘wear layer’ or two.
The wear layer is present in real wood, but it is less pronounced in hardwoods and more seen in engineered flooring. When comparing real wood with engineered flooring, the wear layer comes into play. This layer makes the engineered durable. Hardwood flooring is made of many different kinds of wood that have different looks and different properties when finished. For example, pine has a white sapwood finish, whereas oak has a brown finish. Pine is often used for flooring in entryways, whereas oak is better suited to bedrooms or even kitchens where it can add an upscale and sophisticated touch.
Choosing the Right Hardwood Panel
Choosing hardwood flooring is not as simple a process as many people believe it to be. Hardwood flooring comes in a wide array of different designs, styles, colours, and patterns. There are many things to consider before deciding on the right kind of floor for a home. Most homeowners want to spend their hard-earned money wisely by getting the best bang for their bucks. Here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for hardwood flooring:
Solid Wood Vs Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood floors are a good choice for those who prefer to have hardwood flooring but who also want to have the additional advantage of having it look like wood when it’s installed. Engineered wood floors are made by cutting a solid wood board into pieces called planks and using a veneer or real wood over the planks to create the design or style you want.
Engineered wood floors can be installed by professionals or DIYers for homeowners who want to install the floor panels themselves. For the latter, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and always make sure to include the proper caulk between the planks of your floor.
The homeowner can apply the initial layer of sealant to prefinished or pre-finished samples the same way as with prefinished or pre-finished items, using a finishing touch-up sprayer or a sponge mop to ensure even application. After that, the project is concluded by applying a coating or two of acrylic or polyurethane to protect the newly refinished floor. Ideally, this is after the first layer of sealer has been placed.
Solid wood floors are the most traditional type of hardwood flooring and they’re available in a wide range of types and colours. Solid woodstands the test of time, ageing with grace to give the home a more appealing look. It doesn’t splinter, scratch, peel, decay, and get dented or damaged easily. It is a truly remarkable and timeless investment as well as adding warmth and character to any home. Homeowners who are considering installing new floors or simply renovating existing ones can consider the benefits of solid wood flooring. Homeowners who are considering hardwood floor installation or simply renovating existing ones can consider the benefits of solid wood flooring.
Wood Types
With many different wood types and veneers available, it can be confusing to know what type of wood is best for your home. There are some general rules to follow when choosing the right flooring for your home. Several common types of wood exist with their pros and cons, some of which are highlighted below.
Red Oak
Red oak is considered to be one of the best choices for countertops and floors. It is sturdy and strong, though a bit expensive.It is a durable, low maintenance wood that won’t fade or rot easily, and known for its beautiful grain patterns. Red oak floor panels are known to last for years, ageing gracefully.
Birchwood
Birchwood is also a solid choice. Although it is more expensive than red oak, this is compensated by the fact that it is rich in variations. It is great for kitchens and other damp rooms that are prone to mildew, so it is often found in homes with damp basement.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood is more expensive, but because it is less porous than oak, it lasts longer. It is best for rooms that do not have a lot of ventilation. Being one of the top-most aromatic woods, homeowners use this wood type for flooring projects as it produces a nice, delicate fragrance. Cedarwood can last between 20 to 30 years, depending on maintenance.
Maplewood
Although Maple is one of the most popular woods in the world, some homeowners don’t consider it a good choice for floors. It is very hard, even harder than oak with its Jenka hardness being 1450, which is a good factor.On the other hand, maple does not hold any scent and is mainly a dark, green coloured wood. Additionally, it is relatively expensive to process into flooring.
Walnut
Walnut flooring is not only beautiful but highly durable and sustainable as it has high density with a low weight.It has excellent resistance to corrosion, acids, staining, discolouration, sprains, and general wear and tear. This type of wood is excellent for hard surface areas because it eliminates the need for laminate or oil-based finishes. Furthermore, it has superior sound-damping quality.
Mahogany
Mahogany is highly resistant to insect infestation, mould, and mildew. It can sustain constant moisture for long periods and needs little to no upkeep, which is perfect for most households. Mahogany flooring is anti-microbial. Being a South American wood, mainly from the islands of Trinidad and Tobago and the West Indies, Mahogany is highly-prized and used in luxury homes. It is often treated to reduce brittleness.
In Summary
Hardwood flooring is a great flooring option that gives the room a natural look and feel. When selecting a hardwood type for the floor, think of something closest to being natural, in terms of texture and acoustic. Some homeowners go with the grain to select a more natural wood, which is a hard and fast rule. Furthermore, go with a high-end wood that is neutral in colour – it can be real wood, laminate, or solid hardwood. Top the wood with a nice finish, an example being Behr Wood Finish.
